CRYSTAL Palace assistant manager Keith Millen says he and Tony Pulis were frustrated over missing out on certain players this summer.
The Croydon-born man has expressed his shock at Pulis' departure and said he didn't see it coming.
With 24 hours to go until the first game of the season at Arsenal, Millen is set to speak to co-chairman Steve Parish today, while the duo are expected to front a press conference at 3pm with the media.
"I am shocked at the moment, I must admit," Millen said.
"I had a phonecall from the chairman last night and had a brief conversation, so I've come in this morning and we'll see what happens.
"I had no sign this was coming. We were frustrated that we didn't get the players in that we wanted but we've had a good pre-season with the players.
"We are looking forward to the game tomorrow and it's been a big shock to myself and I'm sure it will be to the players.
"I haven't spoken to Tony yet. I am sure I will some time today."
In October last year, Millen was placed in caretaker charge following Ian Holloway's departure - and his first game then was against the Gunners.
Millen is well liked by the Palace fans and brought a lot of organisation to the team, overseeing one win and one draw in four matches.
So does he want the job full-time, this time?
"It's too early for me to say, I'll have to speak to the chairman," said Millen.
"I've had a brief conversation last night so I don't know what his thoughts are just yet.
"We have to get over the shock of yesterday and try to focus on tomorrow's game.
"Hopefully we get a better result. We lost 2-0 to them last time.
"We always knew it was going to be a tough game going to Arsenal for the first game of the season."
